Category: Charles Williams
-
Looking back at Charles Williams
I’m so glad I spent this year rereading Charles Williams (as well as discovering some new works). Starting with a refresher on his theology set a framework for the body of fiction. When I read him the first time several years ago, I was blown away but definitely just hung on to the stories by…
-
Taliessin through Logres, Region of the Summer Stars, Arthurian Torso, by Charles Williams and C.S. Lewis
Not going to lie; this one kicked my booty. I did manage to find a list of a recommended order in which to read the poems that make up the first half of the book. But as I read them, I kept thinking that I needed two tutors—one in Medieval Literature and one in Charles…
-
All Hallows’ Eve, by Charles Williams
Want a good eerie, creepy plunge into the fruit of black magic right before Halloween? Beneath his politically pleasing exterior, Simon the Clerk is deviously working at a plan for world domination through means of magical manipulation. Only Acts of the City can stop him, and those who need to Act are new to this…
-
Many Dimensions, by Charles Williams
Every day, I told my husband, “You have to read this.” Enthralling Affirmation of the Way of Rejection. Perhaps only second to Descent into Hell for me, in terms of Charles Williams favorites. It all begins with a Stone set in King Solomon’s crown. If that isn’t enough for you, then don’t read the book. Or, probably,…
-
Greater Trumps, by Charles Williams
One of Williams’ more accessible novels, I would recommend this as a fantastic place to start if you are new to his ideas. Exploring the concept of power and Powers, Williams frames his story around Tarot cards and reveals that the places where we anchor our trust are more real than we hope for sometimes.…
-
Et In Sempiternum Pereant, by Charles Williams
This would be great for a book club, where the meeting of many minds might untangle the depths of the meaning. I’m not going to lie. I didn’t really get this short story. I’m pretty sure it’s saying something about death. The way the character is heading toward his destination with surety but not with…
-
Shadows of Ecstasy, by Charles Williams
If you are new to Charles Williams, don’t start here. This one is abstract, even for Williams, taking on the concept of power and the Powers as they collide with desires. The story begins with rumblings of discontent in Africa and culminates with air raids over London. In the development, a small knot of characters…
-
War in Heaven, by Charles Williams
Even better on the reread. This book has so many things I love all in one place—a murder mystery, mysticism, and a quest for the Holy Grail. No one with interests in these veins will be disappointed. Fans of C.S. Lewis could start their journey into Williams here. This also is Thou. Neither is this…
-
The Figure of Beatrice: A Study in Dante, by Charles Williams
This is kind of a nerdy one. OK, not “kind of.” But it is totally worth it for fans of Charles Williams’ theology (the Way of Images, “in-Godding,” etc.) or readers of Dante. In fact, I believe that Williams’ big-picture insights can stand proudly next to Dorothy Sayers’ detailed commentary. Their work is complementary, each…